Frenchlife- Part Nine- Bandol

We spent our last three nights in Bandol at the home of some friends R & M in the hilltop town of Cadiere l'Azur.

They have a  wonderful view from their terrace on the third floor of their home in the village.
We were welcomed with champagne and lunch there before heading out to explore the town.

We had been to Cadiere about 12 years ago and noticed  some changes in the centre of the town but its character was still the same.

More shops for M and I to look into while M & R waited patiently outside.

Time for a photo

Our visit coincided with my birthday so the next day we headed to the nearby town of Bandol for lunch

A quintessential French mediterranean coastal town 

We all had the bouillabaisse and it was the best I have ever had.

This dish can not always be perfect- the stock can be too fishy or not rich enough, the fish must be very fresh and the rouille silky with a bit of heat.

I could spend a bit more time in this area

Very tempted to swim 

A tour of local wineries that afternoon - in particular our favourite Domaine Tempier

Sadly it was not open - but we think we saw the legendary owner Lulu sitting at the table under the pergola.  We left her in peace.

We found another winery to do some tasting "Gros Nore"

And then headed  to another favourite "Pibarnon"

 The next morning after dropping into the vide-grenier ( borcante/flea market) we headed to Castellat, 

 a neighbouring medieval hillside town

And came unexpectedly upon a medieval festival

Back to the magical terrace for  a late and long lunch into the evening

A magical holiday with a lot of great memories.

Frenchlife - Part Six - St Remy de Provence

It was a busy market day day in St Remy de Provence when we visited on Wednesday

We stocked up some cheese and olives (not too much as we leave Blauzac on Friday)

This porchetta and lapin caught our eye, but was not a purchase

Admired the pottery 

Wandered through the narrow passageways, admiring the pretty houses and ancient buildings

  Learnt that Nostradamus was born and grew up in St Remy

Bought some chocolate from our favourite chocolatier

and listened to some music

Frenchlife- Part Four

We have spent most of our time in Provence in previous years staying in St Remy de Provence - which has to be one of our most favourite places in the world.

It is situated in an amazing landscape - with a backdrop of the Alpilles.

As soon as I see these limestone peaks I know I am home in France.

The ancient site Glanum (from 7th century BC) is situated just out of town

And Van Gogh spent some time here painting and in the asylum.
The scenery and his state of mind in evident in his art.

Our trip from Blauzac was for another reason - to partake of lunch at  Le Bistrot du Paradou near St Remy. We have eaten there several times before enjoying lunch - each day they offer a 4 course set menu featuring a main meal of the day
Friday is the Grand Aioli.





We sat down to a table set with a bottle of Cote de Rhone, crusty bread and a tantalising tomato salad, draped with anchovy and local black olives scattered over the top.

Our choice of Olive Oil



Some olives to nibble on with our champagne



The tomatoes were silky smooth - red, yellow and green



Next our waiter put down a dish of golden aioli mayonnaise

Along with bowl of escargots

 And finally the platter of potato, cauliflower, carrot, boiled eggs and steamed fish.

 Potentially you would think this would be a bland meal by looking at it - but not when dipped into the piquant aioli.
The garlic didn't overwhelm each element, but enhanced them.

We were in heaven - the rose matched perfectly and we tasted the red with the cheese.

This simple meal more than exceeded our expectations.

On our way back to Blauzac we called in to Provence Paradise  and caught up with owner William Moore. We have had two wonderful holidays there and have recommended to many people.

The property sparkled.

Another gorgeous day in France